25 Times the ACMs Showed Us Why They're Country Music's Ultimate Event

25 Times the ACMs Showed Us Why They're Country Music's Ultimate Event

When country’s royal couple serenaded each other.

During the 2014 ACMs, Tim McGraw performed a new song called “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s,” which just so happened to feature the guest vocals of 14-time ACM winner — and McGraw’s lovely wife — Faith Hill. Needless to say, the crowd went crazy for the tender duet.

When Blake Shelton and Shakira set the stage on fire.

With the ACMs, you never know what you’re gonna get — or who you’re gonna see — but that’s part of the show’s magic. Take, for example, when Colombian pop star Shakira joined Shelton on stage for a rousing performance of his song “Medicine.” We’ll take more, please!

When John Mayer crashed the party.

Everyone wants to attend the ACMs, even non-Country artists. After all, it’s the hottest ticket in town. That said, it’s no wonder Mayer was more than happy to share his guitar solo skills with with Paisley during his performance of “Beat This Summer.”

When Carrie Underwood belted out her debut smash.

Carrie is now one of the biggest names in country music, but her first hit, “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” sparked a fire that has yet to go out.

When Tim McGraw got a little help from his famous friends.

When Taylor Swift and Keith Urban joined McGraw to perform the country crooner’s hit song “Highway Don’t Care” at the 2013 Awards, it was one of the night’s most memorable moments. And look at that lighting!

When Stevie Wonder made everyone’s jaws drop.

In 2013, Wonder surprised everyone by closing out the Awards with his hit “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours,” and by tickling the ivories alongside Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Hunter Hayes.

When Jennifer Nettles got cozy in “Bed” with Rihanna.

In 2011, the ACM audience was in awe of Nettles’ unexpected duet with Rihanna on the Sugarland singer’s hit “California King Bed.”

When Carrie Underwood teamed up with a classic rock legend.

She’s a little bit country. He’s a little bit rock’n’roll. But together, they made a musical match made in heaven when they performed Underwood’s song “Undo It,” followed by the Aerosmith classic “Walk This Way.”

When Miranda Lambert won Top New Female Vocalist for the first time.

Since 2007, Lambert has won the title of Top Female Vocalist for nine straight years, but that first time was truly special.

When Sheryl Crow rocked out with Dierks Bentley.

Both dressed in all black, the pair belted out Bentley’s hit “I Hold On.”

When Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum got together.

In 2014, Lady Antebellum, three-time ACM Vocal Group of the Year winners, teamed up with “Gold Dust Woman” Stevie Nicks to sing the band’s hit “Golden” and the Fleetwood Mac classic “Rhiannon.”

When Taylor sang “Tim McGraw” to Tim McGraw.

In 2007, T. Swizzle got the chance to serenade her favorite male musician with the song he inspired. It doesn’t get more meta than this.

When Reba McEntire sang with an American Idol.

In 2007, McEntire stood alongside Kelly Clarkson and performed the pop singer’s hit “Because of You.” It’s crazy to think that seven years later, the country matriarch became Clarkson’s own mother-in-law. (Kelly married Reba’s son, Brandon Blackstock, in 2013.)

When Miranda Lambert broke our hearts with “Over You.”

We all teared up a little when an emotional McEntire wiped her eyes after introducing Garth Brook’s tribute to Dick Clark at the 48th ACM Awards. The famed American Bandstand host produced the Academy of Country Music Awards show from 1979 on.

After his tragic passing in 2013, Brooks and George Strait performed a melody of “The Dance” and “The Cowboy Rides Away” in his honor.

When Trace Adkins was surrounded by showgirls.

When a melting pot of musicians paid a touching tribute to the late Buck Owens.

Musicians from all walks of life came together to pay homage to Buck Owens. Genre-bending participants included Chris Hillman, Blink-182’s Travis Barker, Dwight Yoakam, Brad Paisley and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.

When Taylor Swift killed it with her performance of “Should’ve Said No.”

At the 2008 ACMs, a 17-year-old Swift made it rain, like, indoors. That’s one powerful performer.